Controlled Water Release Planned For Lake Lanier

BUFORD, GA — The waters of the Chattahoochee River will become quite dangerous if you're downstream from Lake Lanier. That's because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Wednesday that it has started releasing water from the Buford Dam 24 hours a day due to the high amount of rainfall unleashed on northeast Georgia.

The federal agency said rainfall from Tropical Storm Alberto dumped 6 to 8 inches in the watershed above Lake Lanier during the last two days. This has pushed lake levels above 1,073 feet and an additional rise is expected, said Mobile District spokesperson E. Patrick Robbins.

“We need to begin evacuating water from the lake to get back to the normal 1,071 summer pool," he added.

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To accomplish this, water will be released at a rate of 9,000 cubic feet per second on weekdays and reduced to 7,000 cfs on weekends for the next two weeks. If no additional rainfall occurs, the lake will be back to normal summer pool level within the two week time frame, the Army Corps of Engineers predicts.

Of course, these releases will increase the water flow on the Chattahoochee River, thus impacting normal recreational opportunities for thoses who live downstream.

“Wading and other uses of the river will be impossible at these flows," Robbins said. "Only experienced boaters should attempt navigation during this time. We advise everyone to be aware of these additional flows and take all necessary safety precautions.”

Image via U.S. Army Corps of Engineers